The 2021 Great Pet Care Gift Guide: Top Picks for Your Pets
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Treat your pet to the very best this holiday season. Whether you’re pampering your pooch with a comfy bed or presenting your cat with a purr-inducing calming tincture, here are the standout gifts for dogs and cats, as chosen by the expert staff and contributors at Great Pet Care.
9 Gifts for Dogs
The Interactive Dog Toy
Our pick: Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Snoop Interactive Toy
Treat dispensing puzzle toys are a fun way to keep your dog engaged and stimulated, especially during those colder winter months when you’re stuck indoors. Planet Dog’s Orbee-Tuff Snoop toy is tough, tested and trainer approved. Simply fill the translucent, squishy ball with tasty treats and sit back and watch as your dog pounces and paws to retrieve the rewards within. Available in various sizes and colors, and BPA- and phthalate-free.
The Dog Stocking Stuffer
Our pick: The Anxious Pet Supplement Bars
Your dog always appreciates when you have treats on hand, so why not stuff his stocking with some healthy goodies? Whether you’re on the go or relaxing at home, these individually wrapped supplement bars from The Anxious Pet offer the total package: tasty, wholesome and convenient! Your dog will love the peanut butter and banana flavor, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing he’s also reaping the health benefits of supplements. The Relax & Roll bars are infused with melatonin, making them ideal for dogs who need relief during stressful situations. (Bonus: They’re available with or without CBD.) The Hip & Hop bars contain glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin to help promote healthy joints and reduce inflammation. Plus, the bars are veterinarian-formulated and made with all natural ingredients. No grains, gluten or GMOs here.
The Super Chewer Dog Toy
Our pick: West Paw Jive Dog Ball
If your dog is famous for destroying tennis balls but can’t resist a game of fetch, you can’t go wrong with a durable dog toy. The West Paw Jive Dog Ball is tougher than a tennis ball and has an unpredictable bounce that will keep your dog on his toes. Thanks to vibrant colors, this floating ball is also easy to spot, no matter where you toss it. It’s also simple to clean—just throw the ball in the top rack of the dishwasher or give it a quick rinse under the sink! Latex-free and FDA-compliant.
The Dog Training Treats
Our pick: Zuke’s Mini Naturals
Training is a great way to strengthen your bond with your dog, but you won’t get very far without a tasty reward! The best training treats are big in flavor but low in calories, and Zuke’s Mini Naturals fit the bill. These tender, 3-calorie morsels are made with high-value ingredients, like protein-rich meat, wholefood berries, and savory herbs, plus added vitamins and minerals. The Peanut Butter & Oats Recipe is sure to please, but they also come in seasonal flavors like Turkey & Cranberry! All recipes are corn, wheat and soy free.
The Dog Dental Chews
Our pick: Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews for Dogs
Gift your dog a bag of dental chews and you’ll get the greatest gift in return—fresh doggie breath! Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews (that’s a mouthful, we know!) can reduce plaque and tartar, keep teeth clean and freshen breath. Give your dog one of these all-beef rawhide chews daily and let his teeth handle the rest. Did we mention they’re basted in poultry flavor? Plus, Virbac is an established dental brand that comes recommended by veterinary professionals.
The Squeaky-Clean Dog Shampoo
Our pick: Great Pet Great Coat Oatmeal and Aloe Dog Shampoo
Clean beauty and self-care routines aren’t just for humans anymore. Pamper your pooch with Rowan, a premium coat care collection for dogs. Their human-grade formulas are rich in plant-based oils like coconut and argan that will leave your dog’s coat shiny and skin nourished, without using nasties like harsh chemicals, sulfates, parabens, silicones or dyes. That’s what we call doubling down on clean! The collection features a hydrating fur wash, a conditioning hair wash, a dry shampoo, a refreshing coat spritz, and a shimmering coat creme. With the Fur Bundle, you can clean up with the fur wash, coat refresh, and coat shimmer. Cruelty-free and veterinary dermatologist approved.
The Dog Harness
Our pick: Freedom No-Pull Training Dog Harness
If pull-free walks seem like an unattainable dream, we have just the gift for you and your dog. The Freedom No-Pull Harness by 2Hounds Design is a popular nylon strap harness that comes with a double connection leash. The leash attaches at the chest and on the back to give you an added layer of control on walks. The result is a harness that minimizes (or eliminates) pulling and neck strain—and the chance of escape. What’s more, the Swiss velvet-lined chest strap helps avoid chafing behind the front legs. Walk on!
The Dog Boots
Our pick: QUMY Waterproof Dog Boots
Want to put your best foot forward this winter? Keep your dog’s paws dry and warm (and your floors clean) with a set of high-quality dog boots. Made from water-resistant material, these QUMY Dog Boots can be worn in wet, dry, hot or cold conditions. The tough, anti-slip soles provide stability, traction and protection for your pup. And thanks to a wide split seam opening and adjustable velcro straps, they’re easy to pull on and off. Available in seven sizes and cute to boot!
The Comfy Dog Bed
Our pick: Jax & Bones Cheetah Donut Pet Bed
For the pup who has it all, this Jax & Bones cheetah-print donut bed delivers everything and more. Contoured bolsters surround a fluffy, removable center pillow for ultimate comfort. Watch with admiration (or maybe a little envy?) as your dog cozies up in the nesting area. Not only does the animal-print fabric look posh, the cover is removable for easy cleaning. Machine wash and dry on cool. Divine indeed!
9 Gifts for Cats
The Leather Breakaway Cat Collar
Our pick: Athens Leather and Crystal Cat Collar
We’re pretty sure cats know how beautiful they are, scientifically speaking. Give your gorgeous feline an accessory to show off with this glittering but lightweight leather and rhinestone collar. If your cat is especially frisky, never fear. Each collar is constructed with a safety elastic breakaway and a warning bell. The leather and crystal collars are available in two sizes and five colors, so there’s something for every cat on your list!
The Cat Tag
Our pick: Silently Judging You Engraved Pet Tag
Your cat is watching what you do. And with each glance, with each slow blink, your cat is judging you. You know it’s the truth. So why not score some points and gift your cat with the “Silently Judging You” pet tag? With such a sophisticated and stylish gift, surely the judgment will lessen. Or will it?
The Dog-Proof Litter Box
Our pick: Furrytail Glow House
If you’re a cat, nothing says “I love you,” more than a little sanctuary for doing your business away from the dog. Think of it as a bathroom remodel. And if you’re going to remodel, might as well go for a truly chic design, right? That’s why we love the architectural aesthetic of the Furrytail Glow House. It’s designed to look like a house, and it keeps the dog out, and litter in, with an ingenious little hallway that ends in a tiny door for your cat. No dogs allowed.
The Cat CBD Oil
Our pick: The Anxious Pet Organic Hemp Oil
Your cat may not notice it when you drop a little CBD oil into their food, but you’ll surely see the way it provides instant anxiety relief. The holidays can bring on hyperactivity, nervousness, destructive behaviors, and more. (This is for the cats, by the way, although humans can relate). We love The Anxious Pet Organic Hemp oil for its calming properties as well as its ability to reduce inflammation, a key benefit for older cats.
The Cat Treats
Our pick: Inaba Ciao Grain-Free Grilled Tuna Fillet Extra Tender in Tuna Flavored Broth
Crunchy treats are easy to serve, but if you are looking for a way to show your love, a chewy, tender, hydrating fishy fillet is the way to go. These grilled tuna fillets from Inaba Ciao are made with squid-flavored broth, a healthy and seriously delectable bonus. Each tuna filet is enhanced with Vitamin E, to sneak in an extra nutritive boost, meaning you can feel good about this treat too.
The Cat Toy
Our pick: Flippity Fish Cat Toy
Kicker fish toys look and act like live fish. It’s as if your cat just scooped one out of a stream. They flop, and wiggle with an internal motor, making them perfect to wake up your little hunter’s prey instincts. Our pick is the Flippity Fish. It looks real and uses a built-in sensor to activate when your cat is close by. Plus it has a washable cover and a fishing pole, so you can join in on the fun.
The Cat Tree Condo
Our pick: Trixie Cat Tower
Not only does this cat tree look like a cozy work of art, but it’s also more than a tree. It’s a climbable set of kitty condos. The interiors are plush for warm naps and people-watching and its exteriors are sisal, for lots of satisfying scratching. The size is relatively compact for a cat tree measuring 48.2 inches in height, 18 inches in width, and 18 inches in length, but it weighs a hefty 60 lbs, which is good news since every cat needs a tree that’s nice and sturdy.
The Ceramic Cat Bowl
Our pick: Meow Cat Bowl
The pretty white ceramic Meow Cat Bowl boasts more than just a sleek design. It’s made from extra thick ceramic with a broad base, making it nearly impossible to flip or tip, no matter how excited (read: demanding) your sweet cat gets at mealtimes. The design is also extra deep to keep food from flying onto your countertops. It’s dishwasher and microwave safe too, in case your kitty likes their food warmed to a perfect temperature.
The Cat Scratcher
Our pick: YouThink Cat Scratcher
This cardboard ring makes a great napping nook or scratch toy. For variety, it folds into five
different shapes (and flat for easy storage). We like to think it’s not just a cat scratcher. With so many fun options for play and nap-time, it’s also a head-scratcher for your cat!
